“Mormon 1–2: The Prophet Mormon,” Book of Mormon Student Manual (2024)
“Mormon 1–2,” Book of Mormon Student Manual
Mormon 1–2
The Prophet Mormon
As you strive to follow Christ, sometimes you might notice that you behave differently than people around you. Maybe you have thought, “How can I be strong enough to follow Christ when others don’t seem to be following Him?” The prophet Mormon experienced similar circumstances when he was young. This lesson can help you understand from Mormon’s example how to follow Christ regardless of what others choose to do.
Standing out as a disciple of Jesus Christ
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What comparisons could you make between this picture and someone striving to follow Christ in the world today?
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What are some situations in which youth have to choose between doing what is right and following what others around them are doing?
As you begin your study of the life and teachings of the prophet Mormon, look for insights that can help you follow the Savior when others around you may choose differently.
The prophet Mormon
Mormon was chosen by God to preserve and protect the sacred records of his people and to add his own history and experiences to them. Some of the records that he wrote, abridged, and preserved would later be translated by the Prophet Joseph Smith as the Book of Mormon.
Read the following scripture passages to learn a few things about Mormon:
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What stood out to you from Mormon’s descriptions?
Even as a young man, Mormon had to decide if he would follow what many around him were doing or if he was willing to stand out as a disciple of Jesus Christ.
You might remember learning about the righteous civilization that was established after the Savior’s visit to the Americas. Sadly, after nearly 200 years of righteous living, the Nephites and Lamanites began to be prideful. Eventually, they became very wicked and contentious (see 4 Nephi 1:24–49).
Read Mormon 1:13–14, 16; 2:18–19, looking for Mormon’s description of the society he grew up in.
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What can you learn from Mormon’s example?
Because of Mormon’s righteousness, he received amazing blessings from God, even as a teenager. Read Mormon 1:15, looking for one of these blessings.
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What are ways a teenager today might be blessed to “[taste] and [know] of the goodness of Jesus”?
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How has Heavenly Father blessed you for following the example of Jesus Christ even if others are not?
Mormon’s example
Mormon’s example can help you identify some specific ways you can follow Christ even when others around you do not. The following activities can help you deepen your understanding of Mormon’s attributes and identify ways to apply them in following Christ.
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Complete at least one of the following two activities and answer the associated questions.
Activity 1
Being sober
Book of Mormon Teacher Manual (2024)—“Mormon 1–2: The Prophet Mormon”
Read Mormon 1:2, 15, and consider marking the word “sober.” (You might record in your scriptures that sober can mean reverent, serious, and thoughtful.)
Read the following statement by President Boyd K. Packer (1924–2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:
We have watched patterns of reverence and irreverence in the Church. While many are to be highly commended, we are drifting. We have reason to be deeply concerned. …
Irreverence suits the purposes of the adversary by obstructing the delicate channels of revelation in both mind and spirit. (Boyd K. Packer, “Reverence Invites Revelation,” Ensign, Nov. 1991, 22)
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What are some things that should be treated with reverence and seriousness that are treated irreverently by some?
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What are some ways the Savior exemplifies being sober (reverent, serious, and thoughtful)?
© 2023 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
Activity 2
Being quick to observe
Book of Mormon Teacher Manual (2024)—“Mormon 1–2: The Prophet Mormon”
Read Mormon 1:2 and consider marking the phrase “quick to observe.”
Read the following statement by Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:
When we are quick to observe, we promptly look or notice and obey. Both of these fundamental elements—looking and obeying—are essential to being quick to observe. And the prophet Mormon is an impressive example of this gift in action. (David A. Bednar, “Quick to Observe,” Ensign, Dec. 2006, 32)
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What teachings have you found it helpful to be quick to notice and to obey? Why?
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What advice would you give to a friend who feels that obedience to the Lord can wait until later in life?
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In what ways did Jesus Christ exemplify being quick to observe?
© 2023 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
Help and strength to remain faithful
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Complete the following activity:
To help you identify ways to apply these Christlike attributes in your own life, list at least two challenges youth face living in today’s world. Then write how one or both of the attributes you studied could help youth receive help and strength from Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.